Best Dealers for Graded Coins in 2026
APMEX, JM Bullion, Heritage, Stack's Bowers, GreatCollections, David Lawrence. Where to buy what — and the fees, return policies, and reputations that matter.
The Hierarchy: Bullion-style dealers (APMEX, JM Bullion, Monument Metals) are best for common-date PCGS/NGC slabs at predictable premiums. Auction houses (Heritage, Stack's Bowers, GreatCollections) win for key dates and higher grades. Specialists (David Lawrence, Legend) win for niche series with deep inventory.
Bullion-Style Online Dealers
APMEX
Largest US online bullion dealer. Strong PCGS/NGC graded inventory. Premiums 3-8% over melt for common pre-1933 gold. Easy returns within 7 days. Customer service responsive.
JM Bullion
Comparable to APMEX, often slightly cheaper on common Morgans and Walking Liberty halves. Live spot pricing, free shipping over $199.
Monument Metals
Lower volume but tighter premiums on some bullion. Smaller numismatic inventory. Good for buying ASE/AGE in bulk.
Auction Houses
Heritage Auctions
The 800-pound gorilla of US numismatics. Weekly Sunday Internet sessions plus marquee Platinum/Signature events. 20% buyer's premium. Best buyer reach for key dates and gold rarities.
Stack's Bowers
Co-strongest in numismatics, especially for pre-1933 gold and colonials. ANA show auctions are required reading. 20% buyer's premium.
GreatCollections
Fastest growing numismatic auction. Lower buyer premium (10%). Strong for sub-$5K coins where Heritage/Stack's premium hurts. Great consignor terms.
David Lawrence Rare Coins
Specialist dealer + auction. Outstanding service, deep Morgan and Bust dollar inventory. Slightly higher prices, but coins are usually well-priced for grade.
Where NOT to Buy
- TV shopping channels (HSN, etc): 200-400% premiums, manufactured scarcity narratives
- Gas station / mall coin kiosks: Almost always altered or counterfeit
- Anything with "exclusive" or "limited release": Not a real numismatic concept; always a marketing flag
- eBay sellers under 1,000 feedback for $1K+ coins: Authentication risk too high
- Random Facebook coin groups: Counterfeit slabs flood these channels
Compare Cross-Dealer Prices
Coin Curator aggregates listings from APMEX, JM Bullion, Heritage, and others.
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1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
$20 · Pre-1933 Gold · Augustus Saint-Gaudens
1907 HR Saint-Gaudens High Relief
$20 · Pre-1933 Gold · Augustus Saint-Gaudens
1933 1933 Double Eagle
$20 · Pre-1933 Gold
1929 Indian Head Half Eagle
$5 · Pre-1933 Gold · Bela Lyon Pratt